Subject: Linux Distribution HOWTO
From: [email-masked] (Matt Welsh)
Date: 25 Jan 1994 04:25:07 GMT
Newsgroups: comp.os.linux.announce,comp.os.linux.admin,comp.os.linux.misc

Archive-name: linux-faq/howto/distribution
Last-modified: 15 January 1994

The Linux Distribution HOWTO              -*-Outline-*-
by Matt Welsh <[email-masked]> 
v1.4, Last Modified 15 January 1994
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

* 0. Introduction

There is no single distribution of the Linux software. Instead, there
are many such distributions, available both via anonymous FTP and mail
order on floppy, tape, or CD-ROM. This document is an attempt to present
information on many of the available distributions of Linux. This document
also contains information on many miscellaneous services and goods available
for Linux, ranging from consulting and support to T-shirts and virtual beer.

The purpose of this document is to provide short summaries of the many 
Linux distributions and mail-order services, and to provide pointers for
the reader to find more information. You shouldn't base your decision of
which Linux distribution to use based soley on this document. 

This is a PRELIMINARY version of the Distribution HOWTO. It is far from
complete; there are many more Linux distributions and services than are 
listed here. Unfortunately, I have not received submissions from many of
the organizations providing these services. Please see Section 4 at the
end of this document for information on making a submission. It's easy
and fun and won't take you five minutes.

** Organization
	The following is an index of each section in this document:

	* 0. Introduction
	  ** Organization
	  ** New versions of this document
	  ** And so on...
	* 1. Linux Software Distributions
	  ** MCC Interim Linux
	  ** TAMU Linux Distribution
	  ** SlackWare Linux v1.1.0
	  ** Linux Support Team Erlangen Distribution (LST)
	  ** Debian Linux Distribution
	  ** Linux from Nascent CD-ROM
	  ** Trans-Ameritech CD-ROM
  	  ** Unifix 1.01 CD-ROM
	* 2. Redistributors and Miscellany
	  ** Takelap Systems Ltd.
	  ** Linux Systems Labs
	  ** Clark Internet Services
	  ** Linux Documentation Hardcopy Service
	  ** InfoMagic Linux CD-ROM
	  ** Unifix Custom Linux CD-ROM Mastering
	  ** SLS and Slackware Diskette Labels
	  ** Fintronic Linux Systems
	  ** SW Technology Linux Systems
	* 3. Consulting and Support Services
	* 4. Submissions to this document
	  ** New comp.os.linux.announce policy 
	  ** How to submit an entry for this HOWTO
	     *** Types of submissions
	     *** How to submit
	  ** Acknowledgements

	This document should be compatible with Emacs outline mode, but I
	won't promise anything. :) Each section heading begins with the 
	'*' character in the first column. 

** New versions of this document
	New versions of this document will be posted periodically (about
	every month) to the newsgroups comp.os.linux.announce and 
	comp.os.linux.misc. (Soon it should be posted to comp.answers
	and news.answers as well.) The document is archived on a number
	of Linux FTP sites, including sunsite.unc.edu in pub/Linux/docs/HOWTO.

	In the future, this document is going to be replaced by a Linux
	Buyer's Guide that I am working on. This will contain reviews of
	each of the major Linux distributions and a list of all distributors.
	In the meantime, keep those submissions coming. 

** And so on...
	Please see Section 4 at the end of this document for information on
	comp.os.linux.announce policy and how to make submissions to this
	document. 

	Feel free to mail any questions or comments about this HOWTO to 
	Matt Welsh, <[email-masked]>.

	And now for the good stuff.

* 1. Linux Software Distributions
	This section describes complete distributions of Linux software,
	available either via anonymous FTP or from mail order. 

	Note that SLS is missing from this list. Peter hasn't sent me
	a submission for it. A few others haven't mailed in submissions
	(such as Yggdrasil) and I would really like to include them in this
	HOWTO (in fact, we probably won't accept submissions to c.o.l.a 
	unless you are listed in this HOWTO). Please send in those entries!

	In each of the following entries, my own comments are followed by
	the information from the distributors themselves. You may safely
	disregard anything I say. :)

** MCC Interim Linux
   Last modified 31 Oct 93

	The MCC-Interim Linux distribution is one of the "oldies but goodies".
	it has been around for some time, and my own Linux system was 
	originally installed with MCC-Interim back in the 0.95/0.96 days. 
	It is a very complete Linux system, and users rave about it. It has
	an easy installation mechanism and is very solid. New users will
	have very little trouble using MCC-Interim. The one thing that it
	doesn't include is X Windows, however, X is very easy to install
	on top of it. It also doesn't include a lot of other large packages
	like TeX; but again, those things are simple to install. MCC's real
	benefit is that it is a very solid base to start with; you are free
	to install other software on your own as needed.

	The current MCC-Interim release is based on 0.99.pl10, which is quite
	robust. If you are one of those people who demands to be on top of
	the current release, you'll need to upgrade your kernel (easy to do)
	and possibly your version of GCC and libraries. However, I see no 
	reason why 0.99.pl10 shouldn't be good enough, at least to get you
	started.

        Distributor: [email-masked] (Dr. A. V. Le Blanc, Manchester 
	Computing Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, 
	England, +44 61 275 6035)

	Description: Base Linux installation. Complete sources and patches 
	for all included software are available. Full details vary from 
	release to release; see /pub/linux/mcc-interim/*/Acknowledgements at
        ftp.mcc.ac.uk. Roughly: this includes the kernel (with source),
        C, C++, groff, man pages, basic utilities, networking. The binaries
        fit on 6 or 7 floppies. It is also possible to have them on a DOS
        or Linux partition on a hard drive (plus one floppy) or on an NFS-
        mountable partition (plus two floppies).  New versions appear at
        2-3 month intervals, depending on various factors. 

        Availability: By anonymous ftp from ftp.mcc.ac.uk; mirrored at 
        tsx-11.mit.edu, nic.funet.fi, and elsewhere. At ftp.mcc.ac.uk, in
        /pub/linux/mcc-interim. 

	Miscellaneous: Suggestions and contributions are welcome.

** TAMU Linux Distribution
   Last modified 31 Oct 93

	TAMU is a very complete distribution of Linux including more or
	everything, including X. One of its great benefits is that it
	has a simple and complete X installation procedure. Users that I
	have spoken to about TAMU have spoken well.

	Distributor: Dave Safford, Texas A&M University,
	   [email-masked]

	Description: TAMU.99p12+ is the latest release in the TAMU linux 
	series.  Unlike previous releases, this one includes both *integrated 
	source* and binary sets, with the entire binary set created from a 
	single top level source make. This ensures that all programs are 
	compiled and linked with the same current tools and libraries, and 
	guarantees availability of working source for every program in the 
	binary set. In addition, the new boot diskette fully automates the 
	installation process, including partitioning, lilo bootstrapping, 
	and network configuration. Installation requires no rebooting, and 
	requires the user to know only the host's name and IP address. At 
	every step of installation, the program provides intelligent defaults,
	making it a snap for novices, while allowing experts full flexibility 
	in setting installation parameters. Reliability has been improved 
	over past TAMU installation by the use of labels on all disk images, 
	so that the program can detect and recover from bad or misordered 
	diskettes. 

	This release is a full featured package, including XFree86-1.3,
	emacs-19.18, net-2, bootutils, and sources for all installation
	programs (without any use restrictions :-).

	Availability: The latest TAMU release is available by anonymous ftp 
	from net.tamu.edu:pub/linux.

** SlackWare Linux v1.1.0
   Last modified 5 Nov 93

	The SlackWare release of Linux is the *only* release officially
	recommended by J.R. Bob Dobbs. 

	Distributor: Patrick Volkerding <[email-masked]>

	Description: Slackware Linux is a full featured distribution of the 
	Linux operating system designed for 386/486 computers with a 3.5" 
	floppy. Slackware changes rapidly, but here's a current (partial) 
	feature list:

	A series (14 disks): Base Linux 0.99pl13 OS and utilities. 
	  Networking, UUCP, gcc/g++ 2.4.5, libc 4.4.4, and more.
	E series (5 disks): Emacs 19.19.
	F series (1 disk): FAQs, HOWTOs, and other documentation.
	OI series (3 disks): ObjectBuilder 2.0 for X.
	X series (5 disks): Base XFree86 2.0 X windows system with fvwm. 
	XAP series (2 disks): X windows applications such as seyon and 
	  ghostview.
	XD series (3 disks): X windows program/server development.
	XV series (2 disks): XView 3.2 release 5, Open Look Window Manager.
	Y series (1 disk): Games from BSD, such as "hunt".

	Availability: The home site is ftp.cdrom.com, where the latest 
	distribution can be found in /pub/linux/slackware. To make it easy 
	to download, the disks can also be found pre-zooed in 
	/pub/linux/zooed_slackware. (Zoo is just a compression utility for
	MS-DOS). 

	Ordering: FTP only, although various independent distributors provide 
	it on disk, floppy, and CD. 

** Linux Support Team Erlangen Distribution (LST)
   Last modified 21 Dec 93

	This is a distribution from a group of students at the 
	University of Erlangen-Nuernberg, meant to be complete, 
	easy to install, and well-documented. They sell printed copies
	of Linux documentation, including the LDP manuals, HOWTO's,
	FAQ's, etc. as well. It also includes complete installation
	documentation in German.

	Distributor: The Linux Support Team Erlangen, a small group of
	students at the University of Erlangen-Nuernberg. Contact
	Stefan Probst ([email-masked]) or
	Ralf Flaxa ([email-masked]). 
	Probably, there will be a collective adress soon.

	Description: The LST distribution's goal is to provide a solid, 
	reliable, easy to install (even for beginners) and welldocumented 
	system. We are not hunting for the newest kernel or gcc versions. 
	We do updates when they are necessary or provide really new 
	functionality, are well tested, integrated in the system and working 
	smoothly with the rest of the system. The distribution consists of 
	a base system and additional packages. Currently the following 
	packages are available: doku (doc), text, tex, develop, xdevelop, 
	xbasis, xappl, xemacs, tinyx, network, grafik, src, misc

	The complete system is 50 HD disks and 1500 pages printed 
	documentation including the LDP guides (IGS,KHG,NAG), HOWTOs, 
	FAQs, the german Linuxhandbuch, install-guide and many other useful 
	documents we collected over the time.

	Our distribution is preconfigured for german users and comes with 
	a 50 page step by step installation guide that leads you through 
	the menu-driven installation scripts (both in german). We started 
	this distribution to help newcomers with their first steps into 
	Linux. Therefore our scripts are smart enough to handle all of 
	the "dirty work" like setting up system configuraton (including 
	LILO, modem, mouse, mounts, mtools, access to DOS, users, X11) and 
	network configuration (TCP/IP, Routing, Mail, News, UUCP, SLIP). 

	Historically (and of course easier for us) most of the documentation 
	for this distribution is written in german, sorry, but we are 
	planning to translate those documents in english, but at the moment 
	we don't have time for this. Any volunteers are welcome !

	Our scripts also accept to install SLS and Slackware packages, but 
	with no warranty if they work well together with the rest of the 
	system.

	Availability: Via anonymous ftp: ftp.uni-erlangen.de under
		pub/Linux/LST.Distribution
	or on 3.5" disks (also on one QIC-80 tape)

	Ordering: order at following adress:
	Stefan Probst, In der Reuth 200, 91056 Erlangen, Germany

	complete documentation (IGS, LHB, KHG, GDB, NAG, HOWTOs, FAQs, 
	  Installguide) together over 1500 pages for DM 139,-- (plus shipping)
	complete documentation plus complete distribution on QIC-80 tape
	  (about 65 MB) for DM 199,-- (including shipping in Germany)
	complete documentation plus complete distribution on about 50 
	  3.5" disks for DM 269,-- (including shipping in Germany)

** Debian Linux Distribution
   Last modified 31 Oct 93

	Debian Linux is an attempt to create the ``Mother of All 
	Distributions''. Sure, there are several such attempts out there,
	but no need to be competitive. Debian is currently under
	development, and an ALPHA version is available. For the full 
	take on Debian, join the mailing list. See below.

	Debian features a smart installation procedure, easy upgradablity,
	a file system standard base on the FSSTND channel discussions, and
	an obscure name. It might be worth checking out. (I am including
	information on Debian here, even though it is currently in ALPHA,
	because it's important for people to aid the development of 
	distributions. The thing that Linux lacks the most right now is 
	a working, mature distribution. No distribution of Linux should ship
	with broken binaries. Period. 

	Distributor: Ian A. Murdock <[email-masked]>

	Description: For those of you who are not familiar with Debian 
	Linux, it is an effort to create a well thought-out, powerful, 
	flexible yet complete Linux distribution. The effort has been 
	underway since approximately August, and there is an ALPHA version 
	of Debian available to developers and testers on the Debian mailing 
	list (see below for details). Though still labeled 'ALPHA', Debian 
	is quite stable in it's current state. It should move into BETA 
	within the next few releases. I am truly hoping for a public release 
	by the end of the year.

	Please 'finger [email-masked]' for the latest 
	announcements.

	It should be pointed out that Debian Linux is still ALPHA; therefore, 
	if you have no intention of being actively involved in either 
	development or testing, then please wait until it is publically 
	released.  It shouldn't be much longer now, anyway.

	Availability: Not yet publically available. To obtain Debian Linux you 
	must join the Debian mailing list:

	For help, send mail to <[email-masked]> with 'help' 
  	  in the body of the message.
        To join, send mail to <[email-masked]> with 
          'join debian' in the body of the message.
	The actual mailing list address is <[email-masked]>. No 
	special keys (i.e., 'X-Mn-Key') are needed.

	Ordering: Not yet available by mail, but it will be eventually 
	(specifically, when it is done). More details will be forthcoming 
	when appropriate.

** Linux from Nascent CD-ROM
   Last modified 28 Nov 93

	Yet another Linux Distribution with a bizarre name. Soon we'll be
	seeing CD-ROMs from ``Throatwobbler Mangrove Labs''. 

	Note that there are many other CD-ROM distributions of Linux than
	those listed here. I have not received submissions from the maintainers
	of those CD-ROM distributions.

	Distributor: Nascent Technology

	Description: The Linux from Nascent CDROM is a new distribution of 
	the Linux operating system which includes over 400 mbytes of source 
	code, binaries, and documentation for Linux and applications. It 
	features automated root, swap, package, network, and user account 
	installation from CDROM. Linux can be can be run directly from the 
	CDROM and floppy. The Nascent CDROM features Xwindows, Openlook, TeX, 
	GNU compiler and utilities, Magic and Spice electronic design tools, 
	and over 100 high resolution images translated from Kodak PhotoCD(TM).
	Each source archive is distributed with an associated notes file to
	allow you to browse and install applications using a consistent
	interface.

	A listing of the contents of the Nascent CDROM as well as a current
	copy of the CDROM announcement and order form may be obtained via
	anonymous ftp at netcom.com:/pub/nascent.

	Ordering: The Linux from Nascent CDROM, Version 1.0, is only $39.95 
	plus shipping and handling.  Nascent also offers the Linux from 
	Nascent Plus package for only $89.95, which includes six months of 
	email support and a 30% discount off a future release of the CDROM 
	with your CDROM purchase. Nascent accepts Mastercard, VISA, checks, 
	and money orders as payment.

	To order your Linux from Nascent CDROM, mail, email
	or fax a completed order form to:

       		Nascent Technology
	        Linux from Nascent CDROM
       		P.O. Box 60669
        	Sunnyvale CA 94088-0669 USA
        	Tel: (408) 737-9500
        	Fax: (408) 241-9390
        	Email: [email-masked]

** Trans-Ameritech CD-ROM
   Last modified: 20 Nov 93

	This is a CD-ROM containing the SLS, Slackware distributions
	of Linux, as well as 386BSD.

	Distributor: Trans-Ameritech, a California based corporation.

	Description: CDROM with 2 versions of SLS distribution - a
	very stable 1.02 and a newer 1.03 and also the SLACKWARE
	distribution! Linux installs directly from the CD-ROM on
	almost any hardware configuration.

	It includes full X-windows environment, TCP/IP networking
	including NFS, several flavours of mail and news, full set of
	GNU tools and much more. Also Multimedia - sound board
	support, image viewers and HUNDREDS of MEGS of IMAGES and SOUNDS.

	In addition to the full SLS distributions we supply a "live"
	image of a configured system. Several versions of the Linux
	kernel precompiled to cover different hardware options
	including drivers for Sony-31A and Sound Blaster CD-ROMs.

	Availability: at Trans-Ameritech we ship the same day as we
	get the order!
	    Our address is:
	    2342A Walsh Avenue
	    Santa Clara, CA 95051

	Ordering: You can order by phone (408) 727-3883 or by FAX
	(408) 727-3882. Or by sending e-mail to: [email-masked]
	Shipping and handeling for overseas (as in UK and Germany) is $8.
	In US is $5. Pay by cheque or credit card. COD in continental
	US is $4.50 extra if you want it.

	The price for a single CD-ROM is $30. California residents,
	pleaseinclude tax. PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

	Miscellaneous: we answer technical questions about our
	distribution by e-mail sent to: [email-masked]
	within 24 hours! Trans-Ameritech is a well established company
	with efficient organization to guarantee on-time printing and
	shipping of this product.  If you have a 3.5 inch boot floppy and have
	ftp access, please look on sunsite.unc.edu in
		/pub/Linux/distributions/TransAmer
	for a new boot floppy image with support for many CDROM drives.

** Unifix 1.01 CD-ROM
   Last modified: 6 Dec 93

	Distributor: Unifix Software GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany

	Description: This is a Linux CD-ROM distribution with emphasis on 
	easy and fast installation. Though it is possible to install 
	everything on the harddisk, we do not recommend so, because it runs 
	fast enough from CD. For example starting emacs the first time
	(in text mode) takes:

		From single speed Mitsumi: 24 s
		From double speed Mitsumi: 11 s
		From Toshiba 3401:          7 s

	The dynamic buffer cache of Linux takes care of the second
	and subsequent times a program is started, which needs less
	than one second.

	Our system requires about 5 MB on the hard disk for configuration
	files and system management tools. Additionally we recommend
	a 16 MB swap partition. The CD contains most of the standard
	programs in current versions, e.g. Linux 0.99.13r, XFree 2.0,
	emacs 19.21 and gcc 2.5.4. Full preconfigured source for
	everything is included.

	Because Unifix is a european distribution it provides full
	support for iso8859-1 character sets. From the shells and
	emacs through ls, TeX and the print system everything supports
	8-bit characters.

	Printing is supported through System V compatible printer
	drivers which can be controlled through lp's -o options.
	Printer drivers are included for dumb text mode printers,
	for postscript- or ghostscript- compatible printers and
	for networked printing. These drivers know how to guess
	the type of the files so e.g. compressed man pages or DVI
	files can be printed directly.

	Ordering: Unifix is available only on CD. It comes in a 
	Unifix/Linux binder with two boot floppies and about 60 pages of
	installation instructions in german. An english version
	will be available Dec 15. The price is 159 DM (about $100)
	and includes taxes and shipping; Eurocard/Mastercard/Visa
	are accepted.

		Telephone	+49 (0)531 515161
		Fax		+49 (0)531 515162
		Mail		Unifix Software GmbH
				Postfach 4918
				D-38039 Braunschweig
				Germany

* 2. Redistributors and Miscellany
	This section lists re-sellers or re-distributors of the Linux
	distributions listed above. In other words, the people selling
	the below software more than likely do NOT maintain or support
	the software itself. 

	This section also lists distributors selling commercial software
	for Linux (such as Motif) and miscellany, such as documentation.

** Takelap Systems Ltd.
   Last modified 31 Oct 93

	This is a mail-order distribution of the SLS release on diskettes,
	tape, or CD-ROM from Takelap Systems. Note that they do not maintain 
	the SLS release; they only distribute it. They also resell the 
	Yggdrasil CD-ROM.

	Distributor: Takelap Systems Ltd., [email-masked]

	Description: The SLS 1.04 distribution on diskettes.
        25 3.5" or 30 5.25" diskettes including 0.99.13 kernel, X11R5, 
	TeX, doc (WYSIWYG), GNU s/w development tools and more.
	
	The SLS 1.04 Linux Distribution on CDROM: 0.99.13 kernel, X11R5, 
	TeX, Andrew, GNU s/w development tools. May be installed and 
	optionally run from CDROM mounted remotely. Many installation and 
	operational options.
	
	The Yggdrasil LGX Fall 93 Linux distribution on CDROM:
        0.99.13 kernel, X11R5, TeX, Andrew 5.1, Postgres 4.1,
        GNU s/w development tools.

	Availability: Takelap Systems Ltd., The Reddings, Court Robin Lane,
	  Llangwm, Usk, Gwent, United Kingdom NP5 1ET. 
	  tel: +44 (0)291 650357  fax: +44 (0)291 650500
	  email: [email-masked]

	Ordering: SLS on Diskettes, price ukp42.00 +ukp1.50 p&p + VAT. 
		  SLS CD-ROM, ukp66.00 +ukp1.50 p&p + VAT.
		  Yggdrasil LGX CD-ROM, ukp40.00 +ukp1.50 p&p + VAT. 
	Visa and Mastercard accepted.

	Miscellaneous: Free catalogue of CDROMs and books (mostly UNIX 
	related) on request.

	Ordering: price ukp66.00 +ukp1.50 p&p + VAT. Visa and Mastercard 
	accepted.

** Linux Systems Labs
   Last modified 13 Dec 93

	These folks sell the Slackware distribution, the Yggdrasil CD-ROM,
	the /rdb database, as well as printed copies of the LDP manual
	``Linux Installation and Getting Started''.

	LSL advertises in Unix World, The C Users Journal, Open Systems 
	Today, X Journal, and Sys Admin.

	Distributor: Linux Systems Labs, [email-masked].

	Description: Slackware (all 50 disks and I&GS) for $69.95, resell 
	the Ygdarsil CDROM, Motif by Metrolink for $175.00 and bundle any 
	version of Linux with Motif for $215.00. We currently print LDP 
	documents at 600 DPI Duplexed on a laser printer. We sell the I&GS 
	for $10.00 and the NAG for $15.00.  

	Also we just started selling a commercial database called /rdb for 
	linux by Revolutionary Software for $149.00. (It's quite 
	impressive.) Contact us for more information.
	
	Availability: Linux Systems Labs 
		      18300 Tara Drive 
		      Clinton Twp MI 48036
	              Phone (313)9542829 (800)9542829 fax (313)954280
	
	Ordering: See above for prices. We take MC and Visa and will discount 
	all products (except /rdb) %20 for internet customers.

** Clark Internet Services
   Last modified 31 Oct 93

	This is a distribution of SLS and the SLS variant ``Slackware''
	Linux distribution on diskette or tape. This is a very affordable
	distribution. They also sell printed copies of my book on 
	installing Linux. 

	Distributor: Clark Internet Services, C/O Stephen Balbach

	Description: The latest version of Linux on disk and tape direct from 
	the net at affordable prices.  120MB installed on 3.5" disks. 90MB 
	installed on 5.25" disks.

	Ordering:  Slackware 32 3.5"  disks  $50 (USPS 2nd day)
                   SLS       32 5.25" disks  $40 (USPS 2nd day)

	"Installation and Getting Started" (c) Copyright Matt Welsh
	150+page laser printed, professional bound manual.  
	Everything to get installed and running in one easy book.
	$15 if ordering set (at cost price!).  $20 seperate.

	Availability: For more complete information, including a multipage 
	description of Linux, a hardware compatibility sheet, and more detailed 
	package descriptions send mail to [email-masked] for auto-reply 
	info (~30k of text).  

	Ordering:  Check, money-order
	  Stephen Balbach
	  5437 Enberend Terrace
	  Columbia, MD 21045

	Credit Card orders call 410-740-1157 (Visa, MasterCard, AmXpres)

** Linux Documentation Hardcopy Service
   Last modified: 15 January 1994

	Mark Horton provides printed copies of Linux documentation, 
	including the LDP manuals, HOWTO's, and so on.

	Name: Linux Hardcopy Service               

	Distributor: Mark Horton Associates, [email-masked]                  
	Description: The Linux Hardcopy Service provides *printed*, punched, 
	and bound copies of the various Linux LDP manuals, FAQs, HOWTOs and 
	other related publications. The goal is to provide both new and 
	experienced Linux users with laser printed, high quality 
	documentation. This is particularly useful to new users without 
	access to ftp or the facilities required to print .dvi format, TeX, 
	or PostScript files.	
	
	Availability: Mark Horton Associates; 
		      P.O. Box 747; Decatur, GA US; 30031  
	              Phone: 1.404.371.0291
	              e-mail: [email-masked]

	Ordering: (Please e-mail [email-masked] for complete info,
		   only prices are given here.)

	1) Linux Installation and Getting Started 	~150 pages	$20.00
	2) Linux Network Administrators' Guide		~250 pages	$30.00
	3) Linux Kernel Hackers' Guide 			~120 pages	$20.00
	4) Das LinuXHandBuch				~250 pages	$30.00
	5) LILO Technical Overview and User's Guide	~35 pages	$10.00
	6) FAQs and HOWTOs				~250 pages	$30.00
	7) Shells, shells, shells (man pages)		~100 pages	$15.00
	?) Any other documentation you wish printed... make a request, I'll 
	   print a copy, look it over, and provide a price... if it's of 
	   general interest I'll offer additional copies also. (Somehow I 
	   feel like I just committed to ending up with a LOT of printed 
	   documentation on my shelves!)
	 
	I can't take credit cards (you wouldn't believe what the bank wants to
	process those things! $$$$)  Personal checks, money orders, cash are
	all ok.  For very large orders from businesses and educational sites
	I guess I could take purchase orders.  Please add $2.00 per manual for
	shipping (ups ground - add an additional $10.00 for ups blue label)
	Special overnight shipping can be arranged upon request.  Call for
	quantity discount pricing.

	$1.00 per manual sale goes to the Free Software Foundation.
	$1.00 per manual sale goes to Linus and the LDP's virtual beer fund.

	Please make checks payable to Mark Horton Associates, address 
	given above.

	Miscellaneous: Custom t-shirts available on request - send e-mail.

** InfoMagic Linux CD-ROM
   Last modifiied: 22 Dec 93

	This is a CD-ROM containing the complete contents of two major 
	Linux archive sites: sunsite.unc.edu and tsx-11.mit.edu. Don't
	have FTP access? Bring the FTP archive sites home! 

	Distributor: InfoMagic, Inc.

	Description: Complete snapshot of tsx-11 and sunsite.unc.edu linux 
	archives taken at 2 month intervals (Dec, Feb, Apr, ...). The disc 
	is in ISO-9660 format with Rock Ridge Extensions. A number of 
	"distributions" are included: SLS, Slackware, MCC, and TAMU. Versions 
	are as available at the date of capture.

	Availability: Readme and index files are available via anonymous ftp 
	from: 
		ftp.uu.net:/vendor/InfoMagic/cds
	Other info is available via email ([email-masked]), 
	FAX (609-683-5502) or Tel (800-800-6613 or 609-683-5501).

	Ordering: The disc is priced at $15/copy. Shipping within the US is 
	$5, outside $10. Subscriptions are available for $75/year with 
	shipping of $25 in the US and $35 outside. Orders may be placed by 
	email, FAX or phone.  We accept Mastercard and Visa, and will begin 
	accepting American Express after 1/1/94.

** Unifix Custom Linux CD-ROM Mastering
   Last modified: 6 Dec 93

	Distributor: Unifix Software GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany

	Description: We use our own (Linux based) premastering system to 
	make custom CDs which include the customer's programs in addition
	to our Linux distribution. (See Section 2 for a description of the
	Unifix CD-ROM distribution). This enables our customers to sell 
	their Unix based applications together with operating system tested 
	and ready to run. Our CD recorder makes it possible to create 
	prototypes and very small series at interesting prices.

	Availablility: Ask us for more information or prices:

		Telephone	+49 (0)531 515161
		Fax		+49 (0)531 515162
		Mail		Unifix Software GmbH
				Postfach 4918
				D-38039 Braunschweig
				Germany

** SLS and Slackware Diskette Labels
   Last Modified 11 Nov 1993

	These are printed disk labels for your SLS or Slackware diskettes.

	Distributor: UPython Computer and Network Services

	Description: Labels for Softlanding and slackware disks

	Availability: The labels that we print for you are available in 
	several formats at sunsite.unc.edu:/pub/linux/distributions/SLSlabels

	Ordering: For order information, send mail to [email-masked]
        Cost is $6.50 per set and domestic shipping in included.
        Overseas orders must send payment in US funds and add $1
        for shipping.  Texas residents add sales tax (6%).

** Fintronic Linux Systems
   Last modified: 20 Nov 93

	These folks sell complete desktop and notebook systems pre-installed
	and configured with Linux.

	Distributor: Fintronic Linux Systems

	Description: Linux is a wonderful OS. But installing it can be 
	trying to even experienced UNIX hands. Shopping for compatible 
	hardware takes time as well. Configuring all of the parts to work 
	together at optimal performance is just plain hard. It can easily 
	take weeks. We save you from all of that. We sell fully installed,
	custom configured Linux systems for about the price which you'd pay 
	for the hardware alone. We offer desktop and notebook machines. We
	ship worldwide and accept payment by check and credit cards. If you
	have any questions or would like to be added to our mailing list
		send mail to [email-masked]

	Our installation of Linux includes is built from the lastest stable
	releases of standard Linux distributions (like Slackware) available
	at the time your machine ships. We test the software to ensure
	that the appropriate libraries are there. We add software that the
	distribution may leave out. But most importantly we configure
	things so they work. Your monitor and video card will be configured
	for opt	imal performance. Your hard drive can be partitioned to
	allow dual boot (DOS/Linux).  If you buy a modem from us it will be
	configured to allow dialin and dialout.  In short, you will have a
	fully working Linux system with none of the pain of configuring it
	yourself.

	Availability: For our latest pricelist, finger 
		[email-masked]
	Prices change frequently as we are constantly looking for the best
	deals for our customers.

	Ordering: 
		email:  [email-masked]
		fax:   +1.415.325-4908
		Mail:   Fintronic USA, Inc.
			1360 Willow Rd., Suite 205
			Menlo Park, CA 94025
			USA

** SW Technology Linux Systems
   Last modified: 15 Jan 94 

	Name: Computers with Linux/X and DOS/Win preinstalled [*]

	Distributor: SW Technology

	Description: SW Technology has been selling Linux workstations 
	locally with high customer satisfaction. Our installation of Linux 
	follows the style of the Slackware distribution, with system specific 
	kernel image and configuration files, to ensure optimal performance.
	The installation is a fairly complete distribution of available
	Linux utilities, including GCC, X, Interviews, Xview, Tcl/Tk, Emacs,
	TeX/LaTex, Groff, etc.

	We custom configure systems: our clients will get the hardware
	components and software configuration per their specification.

	Availability: For upto date prices/info, please 
             email/finger      [email-masked]
             anonymous ftp     netcom8.netcom.com:/pub/swt/info
             phone             (214) 907-0871
             mail              SW Technology
                               251 West Renner Suite 229
                               Richardson, TX 75080

* 3. Consulting and Support Services
	A number of organizations and companies provide commercial support
	for Linux. Unfortunately, this version of the HOWTO doesn't contain
	any of this information; hopefully a future release will contain
	this information. 

* 4. Submissions to this document
	Here's information on how to make submissions to this docuement, and
	on the policy that we are using for postings to comp.os.linux.announce
	regarding commercial and mail-order announcements.

** New comp.os.linux.announce policy 
	One of the purposes of this document is to present short summaries
	of the many Linux distributions in a compact form for new users to
	browse over. This document is not merely a concatenation of the 
	various announcements of Linux distributions and the like. 

	Another purpose of this document is to remove some of the 
	`advertisement' traffic from the newsgroup comp.os.linux.announce.
	The moderators of c.o.l.a (as well as many of the readers) feel 
	that those people who are re-distributors of Linux distributions
	which they do not maintain should not be allowed to post periodic
	advertisements in c.o.l.a... after all, c.o.l.a is for announcements
	important to the Linux community; it is not a moderated sales board.

	Therefore, if you are distributing Linux software which you do not
	maintain, the only way that you will be allowed to post information
	to c.o.l.a is through this HOWTO. Information on submitting entries
	to this HOWTO is given below. (To submit a posting for c.o.l.a, mail 
	it to [email-masked]. Please include a `Keywords' line
	in your header.) Exceptions are given below.

	Here's an example. If you are, for example, reselling the SLS
	distribution of Linux on floppies via mail order, the first
	time that your mail-order service is available, you may post
	an announcement to c.o.l.a. Thereafter, you must submit an 
	entry in this HOWTO, which will be periodically posted to the
	newsgroup. Only in the event that you do something dramtically new 
	with your service will you be allowed to post to c.o.l.a about it. 
	(`Dramatically new' does not include changing your prices or the
	versions of the software that you distribute. The moderators have
	the final say on just what consititutes `dramatically new'. :) ) 
	The purpose of this is to reduce the number of periodic postings 
	from people who are using c.o.l.a as an electronic billboard.

	However, if you maintain and organize your own distribution of 
	Linux (whether it be available for anonymous FTP, mail order, or
	both), then you will be allowed to post to c.o.l.a whenever you
	release a new version. You will not be allowed to make periodic
	postings about your distribution, in order to `advertise' it
	every month; only when a new version is released will you be allowed
	to post to c.o.l.a about it. Of course, you should include information 
	on your distribution in this HOWTO.

	I hope that this policy is not too confusing; the one basic rule
	is that we won't permit postings to c.o.l.a which are merely 
	advertisements for your distribution or mail order service. The
	posting must include new information which is of interest to the
	Linux community at large. Remember that c.o.l.a postings are
	archives on sunsite.unc.edu; once your posting is out of the
	news spool it is not gone forever.

** How to submit an entry for this HOWTO
	I encourage anyone and everyone who maintains a Linux distribution
	or mail order service (or consulting service, and the like), to
	submit information on their service to this HOWTO. It's easy and
	fun, and it's free advertising. This document is posted to many
	places and is archived (see the next section). 

*** Types of submissions
	We are interested in submissions for: 
 	  * Complete distributions of Linux software, available either 
	    via anonymous FTP, UUCP, or mail order. By `complete distribution'
	    we mean any set of software which can be used to build a complete
	    Linux system from scratch.

	  * Layered products or individual software packages available only
	    via mail order. If your software package is available via
	    anonymous FTP, chances are people can find it. Software products
	    only available via mail-order include commercial things such as
	    Motif, and any other commercial software ported to Linux.

	  * Any other LINUX-SPECIFIC goods available via mail order, such as 
	    Linux-specific books and documentation, T-shirts, and assorted 
	    paraphrenalia. 

	  * LINUX-SPECIFIC services such as telephone or e-mail consulting
	    and technical support. This category also includes miscellany
	    such as development contracts. 

	If the number of submissions for services and layered products
	is large, I'll create a separate HOWTO for these items. 

*** How to submit
	To submit an entry to this HOWTO, please send mail to 
	[email-masked] with the following information. This `format' 
	is not machine-parsable; any of the fields may be any length that 
	you wish, but I'd like to keep each entry down to, say, 50 lines.

	  Name: <Name of service or distribution>

	  Distributor: <Name of company, person, etc. who distributes/maintains 
	    the service or distribution>

	  Description: <Description of the distribution or service that you 
	    provide. If this is a software distribution, please include 
	    information such as what software is included, versions, general 
	    overview of installation, requirements, and so on.>

          Availability: <Where your service or distribution is available. This
            can be an FTP site (including directory pathname, please), a 
            mailing address, phone number, e-mail address, etc.>

          Ordering: <How to order your distribution or service, if 
            applicable. Include prices, shipping information, methods of 
            payment, etc.>

          Miscellaneous: <Anything else that you find relevant.>

	Please keep your entry as short as possible. If you need to include
	extensive information, please make a reference to where one can FTP
	or mail to get more information on your distribution; these entries
	are only meant to be POINTERS to where one can find information on
	your service or distribution. 

	Please mail entries to [email-masked]. If you provide more than
	one service or distribution, please use SEPARATE ENTRIES for each.

        Some things (such as books, t-shirts, etc.) won't fit exactly into 
        this entry; just be sure to include all relevant information. In 
        other words, this "entry form" is simply the bare minimum that you 
        must include in your submission to the Distribution-HOWTO; feel free 
        to change, add, or leave out "fields" as you see fit. 

	Here is an example entry:

	  Name: ShoopWare Distribution v1.0
	  Distributor: Virtual Pizza, Inc., [email-masked]
	  Description: The ShoopWare distribution is an all-new distribution 
	    of the Linux operating system together with the "vpizza" software 
	    development platform. This software allows you to develop 
	    applications for pizza delivery services on the Internet. The 
	    distribution itself is based on MCC-Interim 0.99.pl10 and uses 
	    Linux kernel version 0.99.pl13. Other software included in the 
	    release includes XFree86 1.3, Emacs, TeX, TCP/IP networking, and 
	    more.

            The release is distributed on 42 floppies (for the full system), 
            each floppy may be installed optionally.

	  Availability: ShoopWare v1.0 is available via anonymous FTP from 
	    shoop.vpizza.com in the directory /pub/ShoopWare. 

	  Ordering: n/a (this is only an FTP distribution)
	  Miscellaneous: Mail [email-masked] if you have questions or 
	    comments about this release.

	I will more than likely edit your entries to some degree if I find 
	any irrelevant information, or if the entry is overly verbose. 
	Otherwise the content should remain the same.

	When making submissions to the Distribution-HOWTO, you grant implicit
	permission for me to use the entries in other materials, such as books 
	from the LDP, and other online documents. For example, information
	from the Distribution-HOWTO may be included in a published Linux book.
	If you do not want me to include your entry in materials other than
	the Distribution-HOWTO, please say so.

** Acknowledgements
	Thanks to Bill Riemers, who produced the first version of the
	Distribution HOWTO and provided helpful advice. Also, thanks to 
	all of the people who have contributed to this document. I hope
	that future releases of this HOWTO will be useful to the Linux
	community; unfortunately, gathering information on the many services
	out there is a difficult task. Your contributions make this task
	much easier.

--
Matt Welsh, [email-masked]